The Ultimate Packing List for Iceland in Summer

This is a guest post by Hannah Collins, an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for exploring the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. With years of experience in travel planning and adventure, she shares her expert tips and insights to help fellow travelers make the most of their journeys. When she’s not on the road, Hannah enjoys writing about her adventures and inspiring others to embark on their own.

Dreaming of beautiful landscapes, incredible natural phenomena and to escape the heat next summer?  Then Iceland might be your ideal destination. A small island country with a vast landscape, biodiversity and stunning scenery, it is quickly gaining traction as an incredible tourist destination.

If you’re starting to plan next year’s summer vacation, now is the best time to think of all what Iceland has and begin preparing your trip to make the most out of it. But before you go off renting an Iceland camper van and get lost in its unbelievable nature, there is a crucial pre trip task (which we all tend to forget) that you need to take care of — packing!

But worry not — here is a detailed packing list to have that perfect trip. So, grab your notebook and let’s get started!

What’s the weather like in summer in Iceland?

Iceland generally experiences relatively mild weather during the summer, with maximum temperatures hovering around 54°F (12°C) in the south but a bit cooler in the north. There is a fun weather contrasts this season: you can be out basking in the sun one minute and get stuck in a sudden rain shower right after. This unpredictability makes packing well essential.

A pro of visiting the island during the summer: it has almost 24 hours of daylight, giving you endless opportunities for the perfect picture and adventure. But you’ll also need to take the wind chill factor into consideration, especially around the coastline, where temperatures will actually feel much lower.

Comprehensive packing checklist

When packing for your Iceland adventure, you’ll want to guarantee you have everything from essential clothing items to the right footwear. Don’t forget to include your electronics and personal care products to keep you comfortable and connected during your trip, too.

Let’s take a look at our list of essentials!

Best clothing items to wear in Iceland during the summer

So, what do you need in a well-thought-out wardrobe to brave the ever-changing weather in style and comfort in Iceland? You will have to layer up because the weather can change drastically within a few hours. Here’s our list of essentials:

Long-sleeve shirts: For layering and to keep the cold and the sun off your arms.
Long thick pants: Choose long, warm trousers for outdoor activities. Shorts are probably not the best idea!
Accessories: And on top of that, bring your hat, gloves and scarf to protect you from the chilly Icelandic air.

Footwear recommendations

Although you might not think about it at first, footwear is crucial with Iceland’s varied terrain and fickle weather. Make sure to pack two essentials: : waterproof trainers, together with sturdy hiking boots.

Waterproof trainers are considered to be the ideal city exploring shoe for those spending some time in Reykjavik. They should keep your feet warm and cozy during those long strolls along the beautiful streets of the capital. But when hiking (let’s face it, Iceland has some stunning landscapes to discover), having a pair of tough outdoor boots will be your savior.

Electronics and gadgets

Of course, given the beauty of Iceland in summer, you will want to bring all your travel recording and communication gear with you. You never know what you might want to capture!

Here are some ideas for gadgets to pack:

Camera: To capture stunning photos of Iceland’s unique landscapes, you will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Power adapter: Iceland uses two round pin powers, common in mainland Europe, so it’s recommended to take a universal travel adapter with you.
Power Bank: With all the pics you’ll be taking, you do not want any of your devices to die part way through the day.

And considering there might be some spare time that you will want to fill, perhaps you could download some of your favorite reads and tunes onto your tablet or phone.

Toiletries and personal care

Obviously, you will want to stay comfortable and clean during your time in Iceland. Your basic daily essentials, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant, should be part of your luggage too.

Oh, and don’t forget a good moisturizer; the cold wind can make your hands and face dry out quickly!  And even in the summer, bring good sunscreen, as there are powerful UVA & UVB rays at play in Iceland. For hair care, bring your own shampoo and conditioner since many hotels in Iceland may not offer them. In the case that you wear make up, keep it simple and travel size.

Outfit ideas for Icelandic summers

Remember Iceland’s temperamental weather when planning your outfits, and consider the versatility and practicality of each piece. Layering is essential, especially when the weather moves from full sun to driving rain in just a couple of hours!

A moisture-wicking base layer should be worn first, to keep moisture at bay. Then, your second warming layer should be a p wool jacket or similar. And last but not least, you’ll want to top it all off with a thick jacket that is as windproof as possible.

Some tips to keep you in style and on the go:

Colorful waterproof jacket: Iceland is well known for its endless beautiful landscapes, so you can brighten up your photographs by wearing a brightly colored waterproof jacket that will pop against them!
Fleece-lined tights — perfect for a trip outside in the summertime when being trapped indoors just is not an option, yet you want to enjoy your day without getting sick or freezing-to-death.
Be sure not to forget some extras such as a warm hat, gloves and, of course, a scarf for the wind.

In any case, as you prepare for your Icelandic adventure, remember that the right gear can make all the difference. Stay comfortable and stylish by layering wisely, and don’t forget your camera to capture the magic of this wonderful summer destination!